Applications open for Queensland disaster resilience and risk reduction funding

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud

Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick

More than $13 million is now available through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) to help local communities better prepare for future disasters.

The funding is part of the Commonwealth and Queensland Government’s five-year commitment to improve safety and disaster resilience across the state, with investment of $4.8 million from the Commonwealth and $8.3 million from the Queensland Government.

Eligible applicants include local governments, Queensland Government departments and agencies, and incorporated not-for-profit-organisations.

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said as Queensland was the most disaster-impacted state in Australia it was important to work collaboratively to reduce risk and build resilience to these events.

“As a Queenslander, I know we’ve been doing it tough in recent years with little reprieve from devastating floods, drought, and unprecedented bushfires-and now COVID-19,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This is why the Commonwealth Government has committed to partnering with the Queensland Government for the next five years to invest in stronger infrastructure and innovative initiatives to reduce the potentially devastating impacts of future natural disasters.

“While we are currently living in uncertain times, it is paramount we continue to strive towards a more resilient future.

"We’ll never be able eradicate disasters, but by working together we can ensure we are better prepared for when they strike."

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said investing in infrastructure and resilience initiatives reduced the long-term cost of disasters and enabled communities to recover faster.

“Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to build stronger, safer infrastructure across the state,” Mr Dick said.

“The nature of disasters can change, but our focus remains on protecting Queenslanders and the communities they live in.

“This infrastructure investment will also create more regional jobs, crucial to our economic recovery post COVID-19.

“I encourage Queensland councils, government departments and not-for-profits to think outside the box when it comes to disaster resilience and risk reduction, and take advantage of this funding.”

The QRRRF is administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Successful projects will support the objectives of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience to reduce the risk and limit the impact of disasters.

Applications for the QRRRF close Wednesday 22 July. If successful, applicants are required to deliver their projects within two years.

To apply visit qra.qld.gov.au/QRRRF

Media contacts:

• Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985 (Minister Littleproud)
• Ben Doyle 0400 775 561 (Minister Dick)